Hey Momma, do the holidays feel different now that the kids are grown? In this heartfelt Advent conversation, Pamela Henkelman and guest Megan Nilson, author of Untangled Advent: Finding Hope in a Weary World, talk about how empty-nest moms can release expectations, embrace spiritual rhythms, and rediscover peace this Christmas. If you’re longing for a slower, more meaningful holiday season centered on Jesus, this episode will renew your heart and help you savor His presence in every moment.HELPFUL LINKS: Untangled Advent by Megan Nilsen hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
What happens when not everyone can make it home for the holidays? For many empty nest moms, this new reality brings a wave of disappointment, but it doesn’t have to steal your joy. Join Pamela as she shares six practical and faith-filled ways to approach holiday planning with your adult kids. You’ll learn how to practice radical acceptance, lead with emotional steadiness, and discover that even when the traditions change, God’s love and family connection remain strong.HELPFUL LINKS: CP Christmas Gift Guide hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
Hey Momma, what happens when your grown kids spread their wings, and their new home is in a different time zone? The distance can leave a tender ache in your heart.In this heartfelt conversation, I’m joined by Joanne McHugh, creator of Things Your Mom Should Have Told You, to talk about how to stay emotionally close even when the miles stretch long. We’ll explore how to accept the move, manage expectations, and keep your connection strong through faith and intentional rhythms.HELPFUL LINKS: Things Your Mom Should Have Told You newsletter Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
Are you feeling weighed down by the struggles of your adult kids? In this episode, Pamela shares six soul-care practices to help Christian moms move from overwhelm to peace. With insights from Dr. Alison Cook, you’ll learn how to honor your needs, process emotions through God’s truth, and find rest in His presence. Momma, you don’t have to carry it all. Come be reminded that God sees you, loves you, and is ready to restore your weary soul.HELPFUL LINKS: CP Christmas Shopping Guide hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
Do you ever find yourself spiraling into worst-case scenarios about your adult child? In this episode, Pamela sits down with Master Coach Jennifer Collins, host of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, to talk about why our minds default to fear and how to stop catastrophizing. Together they explore practical tools to quiet anxious thoughts, discern real concerns from imagined ones, and lean into God’s truth instead of panic.HELPFUL LINKS: Jennifer's Free Master Class hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
Launching a child can leave even the strongest momma feeling undone. In this episode, we unpack transitional grief, what it is, how to recognize it, and why it’s a normal part of the empty nest journey. You’ll learn practical ways to acknowledge your emotions, healthy strategies to cope, and how trusting God can bring comfort in the middle of change.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
Author and creator of Empty Nest Blessed, Suzy Mighell, joins me for an uplifting conversation about finding faith and joy in the empty nest. Suzy shares what inspired her new book, how God has met her in this season, and how moms can experience His presence during times of transition. Whether you’re grieving the quiet or longing for fresh purpose, Suzy reminds us that the empty nest doesn’t have to feel empty; it can be a place filled with God’s comfort, joy, and new beginnings.HELPFUL LINKS: Preorder Empty Nest Blessed hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
What do you do when your adult child says, “I’m not sure I believe in God anymore”? In this episode, we explore how Christian moms can respond with grace, compassion, and trust. Instead of panicking or preaching, you’ll learn why listening is the greatest gift you can give and how it opens the door for God to keep working in your child’s heart.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
If you’ve ever struggled to set boundaries with your adult child, you’re not alone. Healthy boundaries with adult children aren’t about control; they’re about love, respect, and connection. In this episode, I’m sharing six phrases and behaviors to avoid so you can communicate clearly, protect your relationship, and honor God in the process. Learn how to set boundaries with your grown kids in a way that builds trust, strengthens your faith, and creates lasting connections.HELPFUL LINKS: CP Friday Favorites Newsletter hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
What if saying “no” could actually bring you closer to your grown kids? In this episode, discover why healthy, biblical boundaries can deepen connection, protect your peace, and create the space where love grows best.HELPFUL LINKS: Christian Parenting's Friday Favorites Newsletter hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
Hey Momma, today we’ve got something special for you: a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast!Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. Thisyear’s series follows Christian Parenting’s brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud ofWitnesses. Each week highlights a biblical hero of the faith, paired with Scripture-based prayers for yourkids. Here is a sneak peek into week one:This first week is all about Noah—a man of incredible faith and obedience. While the worldaround him turned away from God, Noah walked in righteousness. Building the ark probablylooked foolish to everyone else, but Noah trusted God’s word even when it didn’t make sense.That’s the kind of faith we want for our kids: to listen to God’s voice over any others and walkconfidently with Him even when it means standing apart.If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not toolate to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forgetto tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today hereFollow Pardon the Mess on Apple or Spotify
When motherhood shifts in the empty nest, how do you steady your soul? Author Mariel Davenport shares her TEND method and fresh encouragement from Scripture to help you walk with God through seasons of change.HELPFUL LINKS: Preorder Mariel's book, Ruth: Finding Grace in the Unexpected, hereMariel's Free 4 Week Devotional Through Ruth hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
What should you do when your adult child won’t leave the nest? In this honest and hope-filled episode, we explore six faith-filled strategies to help you navigate delayed launching with wisdom and grace. Learn how to set healthy boundaries, communicate with love, encourage independence, and trust God’s timing, without losing the relationship or yourself in the process. HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate the podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
Launching our kids into adulthood is one of the most emotional transitions of motherhood. In this episode, author and seasoned mom Ruthie Gray shares her honest wisdom on identity, boundaries, communication, and faith during the launching years. If you're feeling unsure or a little lost, you're not alone, and this conversation is full of hope and encouragement just for you.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Next Steps Journal hereThe Sandwich Season Podcast hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
Launching a child into adulthood is emotional, sacred, and often bittersweet. In this episode, Pamela shares six powerful tips to help you release well, support wisely, and stay rooted in your faith. Learn how to manage your emotions, set healthy expectations, and anchor your identity in Christ, not just your role as mom. With grace and intention, you can let go well.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
When the kids move out, it’s easy for the marriage to feel distant or even disconnected. But what if the empty nest could be a fresh start?In this heartfelt episode, Pamela is joined by author and counselor Sally Livingston to talk about how couples can move from feeling like roommates to rekindling emotional and spiritual intimacy. Whether your marriage feels stuck or just needs a reset, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and the reminder that it’s never too late to reconnect.HELPFUL LINKS: 10 Day Journal for Marital Growth hereSally's website hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
In this uplifting episode, I’m joined by Chrys Howard and Shellie Tomlinson, hosts of the Rocking It Grand podcast and authors of the book by the same name. These two fun and faith-filled grandmas share wisdom on leaving a godly legacy and investing spiritually in your grandkids, even from a distance.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Chapter Rocking It Grand hereRocking It Grand website hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
What do you do when grandparenting doesn’t look the way you hoped? In this tender episode, we’re talking about the grief that comes from distance, estrangement, or unmet expectations and how to find peace and purpose in the middle of it. Let’s walk through six ways to cope and invite Jesus into the ache.HELPFUL LINKS: A Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal here Code: CLOUDFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
How sweet it is to watch your daughter become a mom. Our youngest daughter, Keziah, became a mom this year, and I wanted you to hear her heart on what young moms need most in this tender season of motherhood.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
Becoming a grandma is a gift, but it’s not without challenges. In this episode, I share five faith-filled ways to support your adult children’s parenting with grace, not control. Learn how to show up with prayer, humility, and love as you build a joyful legacy with your grandkids.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereA Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer JournalFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here
Vanessa's Finds and Crafts
I am so grateful to have found this podcast! I have been listening to episodes back to back foe thr paat 3 hours. I needed to hear this information, and so many moms don't realize how much they need this kind of support! Thank you!!
Cheryl Black
I'm a 2 month old listener and have gone back to listen to almost all of her podcasts! Pamela is encouraging to us parents of adult kids and she shares how we can love them (not their choices), where they are. So grateful for her wisdom and willingness to share!!!!!
Jennifer McKenrick
I really appreciate everything Pamela talks about. She's well versed in the topic of being a midlife momma, she gives great and timely advice. I'm so glad I found this pod cast, it's a game changer!